Peter Barnes | Hebrews 12:22-24
SERMON NOTES
THE HEAVENLY ZION
Psalm 87:1-7; Hebrews 12:22-24
– contrast to Mt Sinai in Heb.12:18-21. This is the communion of saints. See Heb.13:14.
1. The heavenly Zion described.
– 12:22a; Old Testament references like Ps.48:1-2; 87:1-3 were never fulfilled in the OT (see Jer.5:1)
– hence Gal.4:26; Rev.21:2
2. Those who dwell in the heavenly Zion.
(a) myriads of angels (12:22b; Rev.5:11; Deut.33:2 for Sinai).
(b) the church of the firstborn (22:23a; Christ is the firstborn from the dead; see Luke 10:20)
(c) God the judge (22:23b; 2 Tim.4:8. It is the judge who is the Saviour. John Owen: ‘The greatest misery of unbelievers is to be brought into the presence of this judge; it is one of the greatest privileges of believers that they may come unto Him.’
(d) the spirits of the righteous made perfect (12:23c; see Question 37 of the Shorter Catechism)
(e) Jesus (12:24a)
3. The way to the heavenly Zion.
– 12:24; Abel’s blood cries out for justice (Gen.4:8-10); Christ’s blood cries out that justice has been satisfied.